Confused
I immediately proceed to the hospital kuya Ledger told me. Pagkarating ko r'on ay nakita ko s'yang nakaupo na parang naghihintay sa akin. Mabilis naman itong nakatayo para lumapit sa akin nang makita ako.
"Where is he?" pambungad na tanong ko.
"He's inside. I'm sorry for calling you at this hour, Relle. Alam kong may flight ka pa," aniya kahit na wala 'yon sa isip ko ngayon. Alton is more important than my flight. I can't go to Australia knowing that he's in this condition. Pagkapasok ko ng hospital room ay nakita ko s'yang natutulog.
There is an orthopedic cast on his left leg. May mga galos rin ito sa mukha at braso.
"The accident happened this mo
ClingyUntil now, it's really hard for me to process what he had said. I was bewildered after hearing his side. Alton was not the one who changed my fate. Similar to what I felt after that night, he's also confused by the sudden change of my birthmark. I'm really drowned by those thoughts that keep on bothering my mind. I don't know what to do anymore.Hanggang ngayon, nakatitig pa rin ako sa kanang palad niya. Back then, I was really scared of my death. I keep on cursing the world where we live because of giving me my identical clock birthmarks on both palms. I just realized how stupid I am that time. I think it's really better that no one change what's suppose to happen to me. Sa kagustuhan n'yang mabago ang tadhana ko noon, mas maraming tao ang nahihirapan.If I died that day, no one will be in pain for being in this situation."What about Azalea? You have clock birthmarks similar to her right? Aziel told me," samb
ConditionStaring at his face for some minutes made me feel a heavenly serenity. What happened last night was still vivid to me. Being in a close distance from him is what I always wanted. I can't explain the ecstasy whenever he made me feel his love and affection for me. Right from the very start, it was him that I love. My clock birthmark changes but my feelings for him remained constant. Whatever happens, it will always be him.Alton was peacefully sleeping when I left the hospital. The moment I arrived in front of my apartment, I saw Vaughn standing there as if he's waiting for me for a long time. Dumapo ang tingin ko sa mga mata n'yang namumungay na. I wasn't able to call him last night because my phone ran out of battery. He must be sickly worried."We missed our flight but it's alright," sambit niya sa isang mahinahong boses kung kaya't hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. I don't know how will I explain that my decision changes. I al
PastSinigurado ng dalaga na nakabalot ng balabal ang kanyang buong mukha habang nakikihalubilo sa dati niyang mga kabaryo. Mahigit isang taon na rin ang nakalipas pero tila yata wala pa ring pagbabago. Marami pa rin ang ganid, sakim, makasarili at hindi pa rin humuhupa ang inggit. Matapos niyang masaksihan ang senaryong nangyari kahapon, mas dumoble ang sakit na nararamdaman niya ngayon. Pinagkatiwalaan niya ng lubusan ang kaibigan niyang si Estrella at hindi nito lubos na maisip kung bakit siya nagawang pagtaksilan nito."Anong mayroon? Bakit tila yata hindi magkamayaw ang tuwa ng mga babae roon?" tanong ng isang ale rito sa palengke. Nagkunwari naman ang dalagang nagtitingin ng mga paninda n'yang gulay habang nakikinig sa usapan nila."Naku, kahit kailan talaga ay huling huli ka na balita Sonya. Hindi mo ba alam na magdadaos ng kasiyahan sa mansyon ng mga Delos Rios bukas? Usap usapan na selebrasyon raw iyon para sa pagkapanalo ni Do
CareI stayed beside Thamara until she finally woke up. Nandito ako ngayon sa parehong hospital kung saan naka-admit si Alton. Aziel already called me asking me where I am. Panay tanong ito sa kabilang linya kung ano ang nangyari sa amin. Hindi ko naman masabi yung totoong nangyari kanina dahil hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag.Mas lalo akong naguluhan nang tinawag niya akong Estrella kanina. I thought I was Sorelle who was also ill-fated during her past life. Gulong gulo na ako sa mga nangyayari. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ba ang paniniwalaan ko."Why are you with her?" Aziel asked curiously pagkapasok niya rito sa hospital room. Napatayo naman ako sa kinauupuan ko bago lumapit sa kanya."How's Alton? Maayos na ba kayo?" Napakunot naman ang noo nito dahil sa halip na sagutin ko siya ay nakuha ko pang magtanong."We're damn fine. No need to ask," sagot niya na hindi ko naman kaagad nakuhang panilawaan. He doesn't
StayIlang araw na rin akong hindi makatulog ng maayos dahil sa magdamag na kakaisip sa kahihinatnan ng mga panaginip ko. I forced myself a lot of times to sleep hoping that I'll see those scenarios in my dreams again. I even took some pills just to feel sleepy only if Aziel didn't discover what I did. Napagsabihan na rin ako ni Lissy na huwag akong uminom ng kung ano ano dahil delikado ang katawan ko sa magiging side effects nito."Let's stop for a while. Here's your water," sambit niya bago iniabot sa akin ang isang bottled water. Kaagad ko namang tinanggap iyon at ininom. Nakaupo kami sa bench ni Lissy para magpahinga dahil kakatapos lang naming mag-jogging."You should make your mind at peace and divert your attention into other things, Relle. Sa sobrang dami mong iniisip, mahihirapan ka talagang makatulog," nag aalalang payo niya sa akin."Thanks, Lis.""Since hindi ka sumama kay Vaughn sa Australia, what about you'll
Over Reacting"Does it still hurt?" Vaughn asked using his soft voice with affection after putting an alcohol and band-aid to my small wound. I wasn't aware about the reasons behind it. If he didn't notice it, I won't be able to give it a proper treatment."You're always worrying about others so you forgot to take care of yourself," he worriedly added while still intently looking at my left arm. When he's done checking, his eyes darted on me again."Stop crying...I won't leave," he assured while I still felt speechless and weak. Kahit ano kasing pilit niya sa akin na kumalma, hindi ko pa rin magawa. I can't take seeing him suffering. If something bad happened to him just because of me, I'll forever blame myself."P-Promise me you'll be safe," I begged after earning an enough courage to speak.A smile curved on his lips. It feels like I haven't seen it for a long time."I promise," I reciprocated his smile afte
AgreementI can feel the tension while the four of us are on the same table while eating. Kakagising pa lamang ni Aziel pero masama na kaagad ang timpla ng mukha nito. Vaughn was just quiet like what he usually do. Alton keep staring at me. Samantalang ako naman ay hindi mapakali kung anong gagawin ko. Hindi ko pa mahawakan ng maayos ang kutsara ko.I suddenly lost my appetite. Parang kahit anong oras kasi ay pwedeng may mangyari."Fucking morning," ani Aziel dahil dalawang lalaki kaagad ang bumungad sa kanya pagkagising. Even if he's friends with Vaughn, madalas ay kontrabida pa rin ito sa amin. I suddenly felt like I was fragile as a glass that he needed to take care of. Hindi naman na ako bata.Instead of saying something, nagsimula na lang ako sa pagkain sa pagbabakasakaling gagaya sila sa akin. Napatigil lang ko sa ginagawa ko nang mapansin kong tatlo na silang nakatitig sa akin. Aziel was crossing his arms, staring at me li
DistanceAziel became true to his words. In just a snap, his actions towards Alton changed. Maybe their agreement is really a big deal. I can't stop myself from thinking if it's related to me. Kahit paulit ulit kasi akong magsalita, halatang walang balak silang ipaalam 'yon sa akin.The semestral break ended. Kahit na bumalik na kami sa klase ay hindi ko pa rin iniiwas ang mga mata ko kay Vaughn. I am always keeping an eye on him because I want to make sure that he's safe.It also seemed like he's distancing on me. I still have no idea about what's going on."We can join them. Dito na lang rin tayo kumain," I explained when Alton invited me to have a lunch in Grind house. My eyes darted to Aziel and Vaughn together with Lissy. Nakita ko naman sa peripheral vision ko ang biglaang pagkunot ng noo ni Alton.I can't blame him. Back then, I was really happy eating lunch with him. Ako pa yung nag iinsist na kumain kami sa labas
Alton AlvidarezThey say that the fate's decision will always win. You will not fall in love with someone who wasn't meant for you.Aside from having a different clock birthmarks, fate was not in favor of your relationship.No matter how much you tried.No matter how much you force things to happen.There's this feeling that I couldn't ever explain the first time I saw Azalea. She's a special girl that every man would fell for. I was beyond happy because she was the one meant for me.Not until my paths crossed with this total stranger.The first I saw her; I admit that I was completely damn star struck. I can't get my eyes away from her. I can't help but to smile and admire every little thing every time I was given a chance to see her image. The way she moves, talks and the way her small eyes glittered in joy admiring the beautiful dress that she's wearing.Time came when I often dreamt about her. I ke
Goodbye"What do you think is the worst part of living?" I remember myself asking this similar question to my cousin. My head ached a bit that's why I used his arms so I can have an alternative pillow.He never complained, as if he can't do anything to stop me."What's with the sudden question?" his brows furrowed. I took a heavy sigh before glancing at the group of twinkling stars that almost dominates the sky. I am not fond of astrological things but the view was a breath taking panorama, I must say."I just want to know what's the point of living when all of us will die anyway?" I mumbled. Nagulat naman ako nang higitan niya ang braso niya kung saan nakapatong ang ulo ko. Bumangon siya mula sa pagkakaupo pagkatapos."Why are you asking such nonsense questions, Amor?" he madly replied. Magkasalubong ang kilay nito na halatang kakainin ako sa galit."I just want to know since we live in a world where ev
SignAfter the stressful final exam, nag aya si Daddy na pumunta kami sa hometown nina Indra, sa Siargao. We will be spending our weekend there together with Alton's family. I've never been excited during my whole life. Siguro dahil iyon ang magiging isa sa pinakamasayang bahagi ng buhay ko.Who wouldn't be happy when you always feel the support of those people around you?Kagabi rin ay tumawag ako kay Vaughn. He told me that he won't make it today but he assured that he will be on Aziel's graduation. I am still happy for him despite the pain that he suffered because of me. He will always be a special friend for me not because we're connected in the past but because that's what I really felt for him.He was always there whenever Estrella is eaten by her own thoughts before and he also did the same thing for me as Vaughn. I have no idea about the fate's plan ahead for us but I do really wish for his genuine happiness k
Dress"Take care, sweetheart. Enjoy your date," my mommy whispered before giving me a peck in the cheeks. Dad did the same thing too.Before Alton left the house, they had a little talk again. I wasn't able to hear it because they told me that particular conversation was only exclusive for him only. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ayaw nilang marinig o malaman ko.I watched Alton while he's playing with the car keys in his hand after talking with my parents. My brows automatically furrowed after seeing him grinning."What's the reason behind that?" pambungad na tanong ko dahil hindi ko maiwasang lamunin ng kuryosidad tungkol sa topic na pinag usapan nila.Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto para makapasok at pagkatapos ay umikot siya para makaupo naman sa driver's seat. When he's already holding the steering wheel, tsaka lamang siya sumagot."What do you mean?" he asked before starting the engine of his car."May sinabi b
LessonsIsang nakakabinging sigaw mula sa pamilyar na boses ang nakapagpatayo kay Estrella mula sa ilang minutong pagkakahimlay. Pagkatapos n'on nakarinig rin siya ng tunog ng karwahe na mistulang papalapit sa kanilang direksyon. Mabilis na umalis ang dalaga mula sa kanyang silid at doon niya nasaksihan ang tatlong lalaking nakapangmilitar na uniporme habang sapilitang dinadakip ang kanyang kapatid."Izan!" umiiyak nitong sigaw habang pilit silang inaawat. Napaupo ang dalaga sa sahig nang itulak ito ng isang lalaki. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin niya maiwasang maguluhan kung bakit nila ito ginagawa sa kanila.Anong kasalanan ng kapatid niya?Iyon ang tanong na pilit na tumatakbo sa kanyang isipan.
Hide"Sweetheart, I miss you. I'm so glad you invited your friend here," my mom exclaimed as she went closer to my direction to hug and kiss me."I miss you too, mom." I greeted. Beside me was Thamara. Kanina pa s'yang bumubulong sa akin na nahihiya siya dahil hindi niya inakalang iimbitahin ko siya ngayon."Hi tita," she shyly greeted na halatang naninibago. She did the same thing. It was the first time that I brought her here though, she already saw my mom a long a time ago."What about Vaughn? Hindi ba siya sumabay sa inyo?" umiling ako bilang sagot sa tanong niya. He told me earlier that he still had somewhere to go with Alton. Kanina naman ay tumawag sa akin si daddy kasi ngayon raw niya kukuhanin yung gift niya for mom. We will be having a simple dinner like we used to do every year. My mom was not fond of big surprises or any wealthy celebrations. She told us before that she only wants our c
DistanceAziel became true to his words. In just a snap, his actions towards Alton changed. Maybe their agreement is really a big deal. I can't stop myself from thinking if it's related to me. Kahit paulit ulit kasi akong magsalita, halatang walang balak silang ipaalam 'yon sa akin.The semestral break ended. Kahit na bumalik na kami sa klase ay hindi ko pa rin iniiwas ang mga mata ko kay Vaughn. I am always keeping an eye on him because I want to make sure that he's safe.It also seemed like he's distancing on me. I still have no idea about what's going on."We can join them. Dito na lang rin tayo kumain," I explained when Alton invited me to have a lunch in Grind house. My eyes darted to Aziel and Vaughn together with Lissy. Nakita ko naman sa peripheral vision ko ang biglaang pagkunot ng noo ni Alton.I can't blame him. Back then, I was really happy eating lunch with him. Ako pa yung nag iinsist na kumain kami sa labas
AgreementI can feel the tension while the four of us are on the same table while eating. Kakagising pa lamang ni Aziel pero masama na kaagad ang timpla ng mukha nito. Vaughn was just quiet like what he usually do. Alton keep staring at me. Samantalang ako naman ay hindi mapakali kung anong gagawin ko. Hindi ko pa mahawakan ng maayos ang kutsara ko.I suddenly lost my appetite. Parang kahit anong oras kasi ay pwedeng may mangyari."Fucking morning," ani Aziel dahil dalawang lalaki kaagad ang bumungad sa kanya pagkagising. Even if he's friends with Vaughn, madalas ay kontrabida pa rin ito sa amin. I suddenly felt like I was fragile as a glass that he needed to take care of. Hindi naman na ako bata.Instead of saying something, nagsimula na lang ako sa pagkain sa pagbabakasakaling gagaya sila sa akin. Napatigil lang ko sa ginagawa ko nang mapansin kong tatlo na silang nakatitig sa akin. Aziel was crossing his arms, staring at me li
Over Reacting"Does it still hurt?" Vaughn asked using his soft voice with affection after putting an alcohol and band-aid to my small wound. I wasn't aware about the reasons behind it. If he didn't notice it, I won't be able to give it a proper treatment."You're always worrying about others so you forgot to take care of yourself," he worriedly added while still intently looking at my left arm. When he's done checking, his eyes darted on me again."Stop crying...I won't leave," he assured while I still felt speechless and weak. Kahit ano kasing pilit niya sa akin na kumalma, hindi ko pa rin magawa. I can't take seeing him suffering. If something bad happened to him just because of me, I'll forever blame myself."P-Promise me you'll be safe," I begged after earning an enough courage to speak.A smile curved on his lips. It feels like I haven't seen it for a long time."I promise," I reciprocated his smile afte